Do you supply charity auctions?

Charity fund raising auction using authentic signed memorabilia, is a great and relatively easy way of raising money for a charity or similar. But how do you get the items, and how do you know they are authentic? 

We can supply ready-framed items for your registered charity auction, and are able to offer these items on a sale or return basis, or at no upfront cost to you all dependant on how well we know you. Please call Mick or Linda directly on 01909 488175 anytime to discuss your needs.

If you have never run a charity auction before, then fear not! for we can give you all the advice you need, and if you are far away from us, then we can introduce you to another dealer who will be able to help out.

AFTAL have become aware recently of a number of companies who have targeted this market deliberately, and are offering what seem to be authentic items which are in most cases fake. These companies are known to us, and in some cases the police and Trading Standards as well, but they are not that easy to track down and secure a conviction.

Be aware that the items offered by these people are often fake, and are of no value whatsoever; despite they’re nice looking COA’s ! If you are in any doubt about any company, then first ensure that they are Approved Dealers of AFTAL, and always check any memberships they claim to have. AFTAL website has a complete list of dealers available for public viewing, so they can easily be checked.

Do you offer any discount to dealers?

Yes we do, but you will need to contact us first with your details etc, and we will then let you know what discounts we can offer. All trade orders are subject to a minimum value order.  

How and where do you obtain your autographs?

We do not make claims that all out items are collected in person, that would be almost impossible, but many of the autographs we offer are obtained either in person by ourselves, or through special arrangement with the signer.

In addition, we also purchase collections and attend various auctions around the country, as well as purchasing quality items from established collectors.

Are the photographs you have produced by a photocopy machine or by a computer printer?

If a description states ‘photo’ then it’s a photo created by conventional means on photo paper. We try not to make incorrect statements when it comes to describing any item. We know the difference between a photo, an inkjet print, or laser copy or litho, and will always state clearly exactly what an item is.

Do you provide a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.)?

Yes, we normally combine the COA with an invoice, so that all the details about the item and its cost etc are on one piece of paper. But there are some things you should know about COA’s.  Most dealers and collectors in the know accept that a COA is not a guarantee that an item is authentic. In fact most dealers agree that the more fancy the COA, the more likely the item it is authenticating is a fake. With today's technology, anyone can easily produce a very professional looking COA with a computer printer, and some fancy paper. Never buy an item just because it has a COA with it. A COA, even the best looking ones, will never make a fake autograph authentic, and believe us, we have seen many very nice COA’s supplied by the biggest crooks in the business, selling the worst fakes possible.

If you have any doubts about a supplier, then educate yourself. Find out more about the signers habits, take a good look around and see how rare or expensive the autograph is, read some books on the subject, get to know a few good dealers, and ask them about other suppliers. Most dealers are more than happy to help out when it comes to helping you avoid a bad dealer.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, but make them sensible ones! We have lost count of the number of times we have been asked ‘is this a genuine signature? Now ask yourself, if a dealer sold fakes, would he tell you? Dealers cannot always provide provenance about all their stock, other than ‘it came from auction’ but a good dealer will know about signing habits, biographical details of the signer etc, and of course any good dealer will be known at the various shows be known by the other dealers with the trade, and of course would almost certainly be a member of the AFTAL.

Be wary of dealers whose answers are either vague or who claim they have worked in the film or music business for years etc, and have inside contacts who provide them with signed items. Be also very wary of dealers who are only ‘virtual’ dealers on eBay, as these sellers are the worst of all, and can disappear overnight, only to reappear the next day as a totally new dealer (with 10 years experience of course!).

Ask about the dealer's return policy. Make sure that there is one, that it's in writing and that it allows you to return your purchase for a full and prompt refund should you not be satisfied or have question regarding an item's authenticity. All members of the AFTAL must offer a full lifetime authenticity guarantee, anything else is worthless. Remember this: "IF AN OFFER SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, THEN  IT PROBABLY IS."

Size of Items Described

All of the sizes relating to the items described are approximate however always to the nearest inch.

Now, just a word about our packaging:

We believe that your transaction isn't complete until you're holding it safely in your hands. Each item (regardless of price) is packed to withstand nothing short of a nuclear blast so that it reaches you in perfect condition.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We are happy to accept personal cheques and postal orders, although we do need to allow for cheques to clear. Credit and debit cards are accepted directly over the phone.  We are also happy to accept cash in both £ sterling or US $ by registered post, but please contact us first if you need to pay this way.

We accept payment for Trade sales via crdit card with a 2% charge.

What about shipping and secure packaging?

We generally use Royal Mail w/delivery confirmation, or DHL International Air Parcel Post (small package rates) for shipments to international locations. All items are sent insured to ensure that any loss or damage is covered.

What is your return policy? Any item not deemed by you as 'as described' may be returned for a full and prompt refund within 14 days of receipt if in its original condition and returned in the same manner in which it was sent to out. Please contact us first though before you return any item. We also offer a lifetime guarantee regarding authenticity for all items, providing an item is returned in the same condition as sold. We don’t ask you to jump through hoops for this, but we only accept the written word of a recognised dealer in the respect of authenticity. Refunds are limited to the original buyer (unless transferred) and to the amount originally paid.

Can I contact you in person?

Yes of course, you can email or contact us by phone during normal office hours, and most weekends too. .